Engineer Mohamed Ahmed Al Sayyed (sixth left), Director of Doha Municipality, with other officials during the launch of the West Bay Bus Service, at the parking of Khalifa Tennis and Squash Complex yesterday. Kammutty V P
DOHA: In a bid to alleviate traffic congestion and resolve parking problems in West Bay, the Ministry of Municipality and Urban Planning and the Ministry of Transport yesterday launched a bus shuttle service for West Bay district.
As the country’s central business district where most towers and hotels are located, the West Bay area has been witnessing traffic jams and officials believe the bus service would help reduce congestion by allowing passengers to park-and-ride in various locations around the area.
“The launch of the West Bay Bus is great news for visitors and residents of the West Bay district who will benefit from a free and reliable service.
“The West Bay Bus is vital to meet the transport demands and help alleviate congestion while also resolving the parking issue in the area,” said Mohamed Ahmed Al Sayyed, Director of the Doha Municipality.
The West Bay bus service also aims at boosting tourist numbers in the West Bay area by connecting tourist destinations, businesses, office towers and residencies with the West Bay hotels.
Initially 14 buses are plying the area in which 36 bus stops have been spread, where riders can wait for bus which comes every 15 minutes.
The bus service is free to the general public hence no ticket or payment is required to board the bus which runs every day from 6am until midnight.
The buses run in two routes. The first route links West Bay with City Centre, the Corniche and the General Post Office whilst the second route links West Bay with City Centre, Al Bidda Street and Khalifa Stadium. On both routes, the bus stops at all major hotels, offices and residential towers in West Bay.
“We are pleased to collaborate with the Ministry of Transport for the launch of this new service which showcases our commitment to support and service the people of Qatar. The West Bay Bus will offer a real transport choice; it will represent a major link for many people, and will help drive economic growth in Qatar. We encourage everyone to try the West Bay Bus which as an additional, complimentary and safe transport facility many will find more convenient than driving and friendlier to the environment,” said Al Sayyed.
Nasser Al Khanji of the Ministry of Transport said the initiative shows the country’s strive in promoting the use of public transportation and increasing ridership.
“We are positive that residents, businessmen and women, visitors of West bay will find the service efficient and advantageous and will patronize it. The Ministry of Transport is supporting this drive with mind-set that public transport boosts economy and what we plan for sustained mobility solutions today will provide better quality of life and environmental justice for our younger generation,” said Al Khanji.
Nicolas de Tapol, Managing Director of q.media Decaux, said they will also provide 40 “Cox design” Bus Shelters for the service in coming months.
The West Bay Bus is equipped with an internal TV system, air-conditioning and high quality leather seats which all combined promise an enjoyable ride for passengers.
Pocket maps are available at hotels, residential buildings and office towers serviced by the buses. New routes and bus stops may be introduced in the future.
The Peninsula
